Head of Business Development (CDMO) - Remote in Japan
Job Summary
The Senior Director of Business Development will drive revenue growth across a designated region, while also supporting broader global markets as needed.
This role is responsible for developing and executing a strategic approach to securing high-value partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The ideal candidate is a results-driven commercial leader with a strong understanding of the CDMO landscape, consultative selling expertise, and a proven track record of closing complex, high-value deals.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development
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Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to expand the customer base, with a focus on high-value accounts
Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities in contract development and manufacturing services
Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key decision-makers at pharmaceutical and biotech companies
Prepare and deliver compelling proposals in collaboration with technical, quality, and operational teams
Position the organization as a preferred long-term CDMO partner through consultative selling
Market Strategy & Competitive Intelligence
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Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive dynamics
Collaborate with internal commercial and marketing stakeholders to refine value propositions and go-to-market strategies
Stay informed on regulatory, industry, and technology developments impacting the CDMO sector
Customer Relationship Management
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Establish long-term client relationships to drive repeat business and customer satisfaction
Ensure a seamless customer experience from initial engagement through contract execution and project delivery
Utilize CRM tools to manage pipeline visibility, forecasting, and customer interactions
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Partner with internal teams including Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs to meet and exceed customer expectations
Provide leadership with insights on market demand, customer feedback, and potential service expansion opportunities
Industry Representation
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Represent the organization at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events
Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure strong visibility and engagement at key industry forums
Requirements
Experience & Education
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Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
5 years of experience in CDMO business development or pharmaceutical sales or 7–10+ years of experience with a demonstrated record of revenue growth in the CDMO industry
Business level Japanese and English preferred
Core Competencies
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Strong understanding of pharmaceutical drug development and manufacturing processes, including small molecules, sterile injectables, and complex formulations
Proven ability to design and execute effective sales and growth strategies
Excellent presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills
Experience using CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and market analytics tools
Benefits
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Clear leadership pathway: Strong potential to progress into a Country Manager or broader regional leadership role based on performance and business growth
High-impact role: Direct influence on regional strategy, revenue growth, and long-term market expansion
Flexible working model: Remote and flexible work system, enabling autonomy while remaining closely connected to global stakeholders
Global exposure: Opportunity to work with international clients and cross-functional teams across multiple markets
Growth-oriented environment: Join a scaling organization where commercial leadership, initiative, and results are highly valued